Wednesday, September 17, 2014

we can do hard things

I mentioned in an earlier post our family's 2014-2015 motto: We can do hard things.

Tod chose it and taught the kids about Abraham Lincoln; he had multiple failures before becoming a powerful president. His first wife died tragically, he was publicly ridiculed, and lost many elections before he finally won. His point to us -- we don't give up when things get hard. We get up and we keep trying. We do our best even if it's just one day at a time.

A couple weeks later was Fast Sunday which is when members of the congregation can voluntarily share their testimony from the pulpit. As people started going up Lennon climbed over me and walked up to the front. I looked at Tod and he shrugged his shoulders -- neither of us had told him to stand. We've never encouraged our kids to publicly bear their testimonies because we've wanted it to be their choice.

So I sat in the pew and listened while my seven year old son bore his testimony. He said:

I want to bear my testimony today about families. Families are a big part of Heavenly Father's plan. But not all families are the same. Some have a mom and a dad. Some have just a mom alone or just a dad alone. Some have kids and some don't. Sometimes there aren't parents but grandparents instead. But it doesn't matter. Every family looks different - but that's all part of the plan. Heavenly Father made it that way on purpose. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

And then he sat down.

I was touched by such a simple testimony about something so true.

The next day a text came from Tommy:

I just wanted to let you know today Shantay had a routine ultrasound and the measurements of our baby are off. Head and torso measuring at 32 weeks. Legs measure at 20 weeks. Shantay met with a genetics doctor and early signs point to dwarfism. We will know for sure a week from today.
That Friday their doctor called to confirm that their baby did have Achondroplasiaor dwarfism.

This news has been a shock to our family and especially to Tommy and Shantay. We are worried about their baby's health, Shantay and the delivery, his quality of life, etc... However, there has also been a definitive peace as well. Somehow things will be okay. Just different than we expected. He is about to join a family who is fiercely loyal, has faith in God, and puts family first. He will be loved and protected.

I've also been thinking about Lennon's testimony. Every family is different. Some of our problems are easy to see and others are private and hidden from the world. Some struggles are physical while others are emotional, financial or spiritual. But they're there. We are all different and fighting personal battles everyday. And like Lennon said, Heavenly Father made it that way on purpose.

My Grandma Jewel used to sing us a song...usually when we didn't want to pull weeds...and now I sing it to my kids (and myself) all the time.

12 comments:

Holly, I came across the blog post below about a month ago, I was just surfing and it caught my eye because my daughter's name is also Lilah. I have never had interest in dwarfism, it just isn't on my radar, but I could not stop reading this amazing story. Here is the link.

http://www.dreambiglittleone.com/2014_04_01_archive.html

Check it out, let me know what you think and maybe pass it on to your brother and sister-in-law when you think they are ready.

We can and we must do hard things, but with love, support, and strength we never knew we had, we always heal.

Lennon is a special spirit who listens to that still small voice within & he impresses us continually. He will surely be a good cousin to Tommy's little guy & I know the family's love & support will be a great blessing. I am teared up right now reading this news, and yet feel really comforted knowing God doesn't make mistakes. There is a reason & purpose in all things. Give Tommy &

Hi Holly it's Tiff Norby:) I read your blog often because you are an amazing mother/wife and still hilarious!I saw this post and wanted to let Tommy and his wife know that I'm thinking and praying for them. Brian and I had our lives turned upside down about six years ago when we had our little guy. And if I can tell them one thing it's that Heavenly Father really does know who we are! I never knew I could do such hard things but somehow in situations like this we amaze even ourselves. Things that rock us turn into the biggest blessings . Sometimes it's hard to see but I promise the blessings will come! Please keep me updated. Tiff Allredgo buffs!:)

Hey Holly, this is Denise Valdez (Herrera). I found your blog a little while ago & have to admit... I blog stalk you. :-) Your entries are so fun to read & it makes me happy to know I'm not the only one who has to deal with wrestling matches anywhere there's an open area & running like crazy getting to everyones practices, soccer & baseball games. The life of a mom with active boys. Anyway, you have a very cute family.

Holly! Oh my goodness. I'm bawling. Your blog posts usually have me crying with laughter but this time, wow. The sweet and profound testimony of your 7 year old and your amazingly faithful and encouraging words for Tommy. You're right. Absolutely right about all of it. Thanks for sharing. Love you!